Overview
Pancreatic cysts are saclike pockets of fluid on or in the pancreas. The pancreas is a large organ behind the stomach that produces hormones and enzymes that help digest food. Pancreatic cysts are typically found during imaging testing for another problem.
The main categories of pancreatic cysts can be divided into two groups, nonneoplastic or neoplastic cysts. Each group includes many different subtypes of cysts. Most aren't cancerous, and many don't cause symptoms. But some pancreatic cysts can be or can become cancerous.
A sample of pancreatic cyst fluid may be taken to find out if cancer cells are present. Sometimes, a healthcare professional might recommend monitoring a cyst over time to watch for changes that could be cancerous.
Pancreas
The pancreas is a large organ that lies horizontally in the upper abdomen behind the stomach.
Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms from pancreatic cysts. They are often found when imaging tests of the abdomen are done for another reason.
When symptoms of pancreatic cysts do happen, they typically include:
- Ongoing belly pain, which may radiate to the back.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Weight loss.
- Feeling full soon after starting to eat.
When to see a doctor
Rarely, cysts can become infected. See a healthcare professional if you have a fever and belly pain that won't go away.
A ruptured pancreatic cyst can be a medical emergency, but fortunately is rare. A ruptured cyst also can cause infection of the abdominal cavity, called peritonitis.
Causes
The cause of most pancreatic cysts is unknown. Some cysts are associated with rare illnesses, including polycystic kidney disease or von Hippel-Lindau disease, a genetic disorder that can affect the pancreas and other organs.
Pseudocysts often follow a bout of a painful condition in which digestive enzymes become prematurely active and irritate the pancreas, called pancreatitis. Pseudocysts can also result from injury to the abdomen, such as from a car accident.
Risk factors
Heavy alcohol use and gallstones are risk factors for pancreatitis, and pancreatitis is a risk factor for pseudocysts. Abdominal injury also is a risk factor for pseudocysts.
Prevention
The best way to avoid pseudocysts is to avoid pancreatitis, which is usually caused by gallstones or heavy alcohol use. If gallstones are triggering pancreatitis, you may need to have your gallbladder removed. If your pancreatitis is due to alcohol use, not drinking can reduce your risk.
